Phoenix City Council votes to extend trail closures during excessive heat warnings
PHOENIX – The Phoenix City Council passed a new policy to extend excessive heat warning closures to be year-round on hiking trails, instead of only during summer months when warnings are issued by the National Weather Service.
Months of wet weather erase drought across the Southwest
Climate experts recently provided a briefing with updates on the state of drought in the Southwest. In a rare dose of good news, much of the region's drought has been erased by months of wet weather.
Yampa River is a ‘roller coaster’ ride as the West replenishes its reservoirs
After an epic snow year in the mountains, the Yampa River is flowing higher than it has in a decade. As water makes its way through Colorado and Utah on its way to the Colorado River and Lake Powell, the high flows are a boon for rafters, fish and farmers.
Do you have climate anxiety? Help us report on the mental strain of climate change in Arizona
PHOENIX – Climate anxiety has become an increasingly common term for people worried about the future of our planet because of climate change. We'd like your help to better report on climate anxiety by sharing how climate change impacts your life.
Clouds may steal the sunshine on Super Bowl Sunday
PHOENIX – Signs of the Super Bowl coat the streets of the Phoenix metro area. But despite Phoenix’s sunny reputation, there's a chance travelers will have to deal with rain for the big game.
Climate change and drought are muting bright fall colors as we know them
FLAGSTAFF – Visitors travel far and wide to view fall colors in northern Arizona, but climate change and ongoing drought are affecting fall foliage as we know it. The PhenoCam Network, based in Flagstaff, is tracking these changes.
As world leaders meet to discuss climate change, action plans inch forward in Arizona
PHOENIX – As world leaders meet in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, to discuss global climate change at COP27, in Arizona initiatives are taking place to help deal with adaptation, heat resiliency and drought.
Heat deaths hit record in Maricopa County, but there are ways to stay safe
PHOENIX – Higher temperatures in Maricopa County have led to a record number of heat-associated deaths, according to a report released this month. Experts say people – visitors and Arizonans alike – should reconsider how to prepare for the heat to stay safe while outdoors.
Iconic Strong Arm was one of many saguaros killed by climate change, deadly bacteria
Climate change is becoming a deadly threat to the iconic saguaro, which is found only in the Sonoran Desert. According to cactus expert William D. Peachey, extreme temperature fluctuations and more severe storms are making saguaros more susceptible to the deadly bacteria Erwinia cacticida.
Tempe plans to reopen long dormant water reclamation plant amid grinding drought
PHOENIX – Tempe plans to use $60 million to reopen the Kyrene Water Reclamation Facility which closed in the aftermath of the Great Recession. The plant will help Tempe collect and recycle water as Arizona struggles with its worst drought in 1,200 years.
Climate tool brings the bad news; advocates hope that brings good outcomes
WASHINGTON - A new online dashboard that aims to give state and local governments the real-time information they need to fight climate change paints a bleak picture for Arizona's future, calling for more heat, more drought and more wildfires.
From heat deaths to worsening allergies, climate change harms health
PHOENIX – Concerns about the impact of the climate crisis on health are driving doctors, nurses, medical students and others to advocate for change. The American Medical Association recently declared climate change a public health crisis and said it would push for more policies meant to limit global warming.
